Foot/footwear sterilization system

ABSTRACT

A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and a set of foot/shoe support bars coupled to the housing in proximity to the at least one opening. The foot/shoe support bars support a foot or shoe placed through the opening(s). At least one ultraviolet emitting device is supported within the housing beneath the set of foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered by a source of power to emit ultraviolet light. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation in part of patent application Ser.No. 12/860,721, filed Aug. 20, 2010. This application is anon-provisional application taking priority from U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/570,245, filed Dec. 13, 2011. The disclosures ofboth are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of disease control and moreparticularly to a system for reducing pathogens such as bacteria,viruses, fungi, spores, etc., on the feet and/or footwear.

BACKGROUND

Feet and footwear (shoes, sandals, socks, etc.) are carriers of multiplecontamination agents that are often introduced into interiors of homes,hospitals, schools, and offices from various sources of contamination.Although any portion of the feet/footwear is known to carry/spreadcontamination, due to contact with contamination from surfaces (e.g.floor), the majority of contamination is carried on the bottom offootwear (or soles of feet).

Most contamination is inert, for example, dirt, sand, dust, leaves, etc.On the contrary, pathogens often lead to the spread of various diseases.A study by Dr. Charles Gerba, microbiologist and professor at theUniversity of Arizona and The Rockport Company made in 2008 confirmedthis finding. The study measured germs and microbes collected onfootwear. What was found was a large number of bacteria both on thebottom and inside of shoes; averaging 420,000 units of bacteria on theoutside of the shoe, and almost 3000 on the inside. The tested footwearpicked up 420,000 units of bacteria in just two weeks. The bacteriaincluded Escherichia coli, known to cause intestinal and urinary tractinfections, meningitis and diarrheal disease; Klebsiella pneumonia, acommon source for wound and bloodstream infections as well as pneumonia;and Serratia ficaria, a rare cause of infections in the respiratorytract and wounds.

Such germs/microbes/pathogens, in addition to other chemicals, arepicked up by the feet/shoes in one place and deposited in another,leading to the spread of contamination, possibly to the shoes of otherpeople, etc.

Cleaning/vacuuming of the floor may help reduce exposure to suchgerms/microbes, but has little or no effect on many. Furthermore, thegerms/microbes are not neutralized by vacuuming and pose a health riskwhen emptying the vacuum cleaner. Using steam cleaners to kill thebacteria was found ineffective in killing germs and bacteria in homesand public places. At the source, the steam has a temperature of around100 degrees C. but by the time the steam contacts the carpets or thefloor, the temperature drops drastically and does not kill many bacteriaand the viruses.

Applying chemical products by spraying or spreading on floors or carpetsis also partially effective. To kill or disable most pathogens, a verystrong chemical is required. As the strength of the chemical increases,so does the risk of potential hazards to health and safety of both thepeople applying the chemical and to the users of the cleaned surfaces.This is not to mention issues related to allergies. Stronger chemicalsalso tend to impact/discolor the surfaces on which they are applied. Forexample, bleach (chorine) is a known effective disinfectant, but bleachapplied to one's shoes results in discolored shoes, and, therefore,would not be used by most. Furthermore, bleach (chlorine) does not killmany pathogens that have a protective shell

The feet/shoes cause a major concern, especially in hospital settings.Often, hospitals have isolation wards for people that have highlycontagious diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis andMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The hospitalsattempt to control the spread of such diseases by maintaining a negativeair pressure in these wards (so air flows in when a door is opened),constant filtration of the air in the wards, constant germicidaltreatment, wearing of disposable outer garments, etc. For the lowerextremities, at most, workers use booties to cover their footwear. Theuse of booties is a weak attempt to solve this problem, especiallybecause the users of such booties use their hands to remove them fromtheir feet.

The lack of diligence in reducing migration of microbes carried onfeet/footwear is possibly responsible for an estimated 10% of new casesof disease such as MRSA each year, especially cases of such diseasesthat are contracted in hospitals. Many times, the hospitals areresponsible for fighting these diseases without compensation due to therationale that they were the source of the disease, resulting inbillions of dollars in lost profits.

Beyond hospitals, many areas are also prone to breed germs/microbes andoften travel on feet and shoes to homes, offices, etc. For example,public showers in gyms, schools, etc., often breed such microbes and,even after putting on shoes, these microbes get carried on the feet andshoes and often are deposited in homes and offices miles from thesource.

Several techniques are known for reducing contamination from feet/shoes,especially for clean room environments in which it is important to limitparticle contamination. For example, products used at the entrance toclean rooms include shoe vacuums with Hepa filters, sticky mats, andpressurized air flow to dislodge contaminates, all are only partiallyeffective in removing/containing pathogens, while none actually killgerms.

What is needed is a system that will successfully reduce the number ofmicrobes on one's feet and/or shoes.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, foot/shoe sanitizing system is disclosed including ahousing having at least one opening and a set of foot/shoe support barscoupled to the housing in proximity to the at least one opening. Thefoot/shoe support bars support a foot or shoe placed in the sanitizingdevice. At least one ultraviolet emitting device is supported within thehousing beneath the set of foot/shoe support bars. The ultravioletemitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the setof foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on thefoot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices arecontrollably powered by a source of power to emit ultraviolet light. Ina preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits shortwavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the areaof the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed withultraviolet light alone.

In another embodiment, a method of killing pathogens on a shoe isdisclosed including providing the foot/shoe sanitizing device previouslydescribed and placing the shoe into one of the at least one openings.Next, emitting ultraviolet light from the at least one ultravioletemitting device. The ultraviolet light passes through and/or around thefoot/shoe support bars and radiates at least one of the pathogens on theshoe, thereby killing at least one of the pathogens. After sanitization,the shoe is removed from the at least one opening. In some embodiments,the ultraviolet emitting device emits short wavelength ultravioletlight, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, therebykilling pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet lightalone.

In another embodiment, a foot/shoe sanitizing device is disclosedincluding a housing having two openings, each of the openings size toallow entry of a shoe and a plurality of foot/shoe support bars coupledto the housing beneath each of the openings. The foot/shoe support barssupport a shoe (and/or a person wearing the shoe) placed in thesanitizing device. At least one of the foot/shoe bars is made of amaterial that is transmissive to ultraviolet light such as silica glass.In some examples, all of the foot/shoe bars is made of a material thatis transmissive to ultraviolet light such as silica glass. The foot/shoesanitizing device has at least one ultraviolet emitting device supportedwithin the housing beneath the set of foot/shoe support bars (e.g.ultraviolet sanitization bulbs) which controllably directing ultravioletlight between and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars. There isa source of power interfaced to each of the ultraviolet emittingdevices, controllably powering each of the at least one ultravioletemitting device when a interlock device detects the presence of at leastone shoe resting on the foot/shoe support bars. At least one of theultraviolet emitting devices emit ultraviolet light that includes shortwavelength ultraviolet light. The short wavelength ultraviolet lightinteracts with oxygen within the enclosure to produce ozone for improvedsanitation performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill inthe art by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary system forreducing the number of pathogens on feet and/or shoes.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front plan view of the exemplary system forreducing the number of pathogens on feet and/or shoes.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front plan cutaway view of the exemplary system forreducing the number of pathogens on feet and/or shoes.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective internal view of the exemplary systemfor reducing the number of pathogens on feet and/or shoes.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detail view of the active portion of the exemplarysystem for reducing the number of pathogens on feet and/or shoes.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the reflector portion of theexemplary system for reducing the number of pathogens on feet and/orshoes.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary system for reducingthe number of pathogens on feet and/or shoes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description,the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Throughout the remainder of this description, the term “pathogen” willbe used generically to denote any germ, virus, prion, fungus, spore,microbe, or other pathogen, capable or not capable of infecting a mammalsuch as a human.

Additionally, the described system is shown in detail for deploymentconcerning one specific mammal, a human being, though it is anticipatedthat such system in possibly other embodiments be used for other mammalssuch as dogs, cats, horses, cows, etc. Furthermore, the described systemis disclose in reference to feet and/or shoes for brevity and claritypurposes as it is fully understood that the described system will workfor many objects including socks, slippers, etc. There are known risksof exposing certain parts of a mammal's body to certain wavelengths ofultraviolet light, therefore, it is anticipated that proper precautionsare taken to reduce exposure and risk.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an exemplary system 10 forreducing the number of pathogens on feet and/or shoes is shown. It isanticipated that some elements of the system are present or absent iscertain instantiations of the system. For example, in the system 10 forreducing the number of pathogens shown in FIG. 1, personal support arms12 are present so that, as the user places feet/shoes into the brushes32, the user has handles to hold onto to reduce the risk of falling andto ease stepping into the openings 32. In some embodiments, the handlesare made from or coated with a microbe reducing material such as copper,as known in the industry. In some embodiments, the handles areelectrically isolated from the base portion 20 and/or include insulativecoatings for electrical safety.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 for reducing the number ofpathogens has a base portion 20 has two openings 32 for insertion ofeach of the feet/shoes. It is well anticipated that, in otherembodiments, any number of openings 32 are possible, such as one opening32 or a whole bank of openings 32 for concurrent use for multiplepeople.

As will be shown in greater detail, the openings 32 are covered withbristles similar to two brushes that are intermeshed. The bristles 33(see FIG. 2) will help prevent harmful radiation from exiting the baseportion 20 which, otherwise, could harm the person using the system 10for reducing the number of pathogens (e.g. certain radiations are knownto cause vision problems). For completeness, the base portion 20includes a lower cabinet 22 that provides structural support.Optionally, there is an opening 50 for cleaning the system 10 forreducing the number of pathogens.

Referring to FIG. 2, a front plan view of the exemplary system 10 forreducing the number of pathogens on feet and/or shoes is shown. The baseportion 20 has a housing 22/30/34/36 that shields the user from harmfulradiations. In this example, the housing sections 30/34/36 are spacedfar enough apart as to allow a foot to be placed into the openings 32.Radiation from the base portion 20 is reduced or sealed from radiatingout of the base portion 20 (at least reduced to acceptable levels) by adeformable cover 33 which, in the embodiment shown, is a dense set ofbristles 33. There are many ways to seal the openings after one insertstheir feet/shoes into the openings 32, including the bristles 33 shown,other deformable materials, mechanical iris-type mechanism, etc., all ofwhich are fully anticipated and included here within.

Again, for completeness, the base portion 20 includes a lower cabinet 22that provides structural support. Optionally, there is an opening 50 forcleaning the reflectors 54/56 (see FIG. 6), which in this example is apull-out drawer operated by a knob/handle 52.

Referring to FIG. 3, a front plan cutaway view of the lower cabinet 22of the exemplary system 10 for reducing the number of pathogens on feetand/or shoes is shown. In this, an exemplary placement of the radiationemitters 70, a set of foot/shoe support bars 80 and door 50 are shown,all of which will be described greater detail.

As will be discussed, one or more devices for sensing the presence of auser's foot are optionally provided to initiate emission of radiationwhen the user's foot is present or shortly thereafter. One such sensoris a light beam interruption sensor 90/92 (see FIG. 4). Another suchsensor is a pressure sensor 25. A typical placement for a pressuresensor 25 is shown on the internal riser 82. By integrating the pressuresensor 25 into the internal riser 82, detection of mass from the leftset of support bars 80, right set of support bars 80, or both is readilyperformed. The sensor 25 is used alone or in conjunction with theinterrupt detection 90/92 (see FIG. 4) and/or other sensor devices.

Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective internal view of the base portion 22of the exemplary system 10 for reducing the number of pathogens on feetand/or shoes is shown.

For brevity, various mechanical subcomponents, supports, rubber feet,wires, etc., are not described as such are well known in the art.

Internal risers 80/82 support the mass of a user. In the example shown,the risers rest on a suitable support such as a base plate 21. Otherinternal components 80/82 are also mounted on the base plate 21. Theexemplary system 10 for reducing the number of pathogens has one or moredevices that emit radiation 70 (see FIG. 5 for better detail) that arepowered/controlled by an electronic subsystem 96. Details of theelectronic subsystem 96 are well known in the industry and are notincluded for brevity reasons. The electronic subsystem 96 receives powerfrom an external source connected to the system by, for example, a powerconnector 98, or direct connection through a power cable, internalbatteries, etc., as known in the industry.

Because of the potential harmful effects of radiation emanating from thedevices that emit radiation 70, it is preferred (though not required) tohave an interlock system that detects the presence of the user'sfoot/shoe on the grid 80. There are many known interlock systems that,for example, detecting the mass of a user (e.g. pressure sensor 25 shownin FIG. 3), detecting infrared radiation of the user, etc. It isanticipated that by detecting mass, the exemplary system 10 for reducingthe number of pathogens has an additional feature of being selective onthe mass of a user, not turning on, for example, for children and pets.It is anticipated that by using an infrared detector, the exemplarysystem 10 for reducing the number of pathogens is capable of operationonly when an appendage of a mammal is present, thereby not operatingwhen, for example, a child places a toy into one of the openings 32. Theexample shown in FIG. 4 has a light beam interruption system 90/92 inwhich, placement of one or both feet/shoes in the openings 32 willinterrupt a beam of light between block 90 and 92, thereby enabling thedevices that emit radiation 70 to start emitting radiation. Note, it isanticipated that one block 90 have a light emitter and the other block92 have a light receiver or vice versa, or in some embodiments, both thelight emitter and light receiver are in one block 90 and the opposingblock 92 is a reflector. Because using a detector that is sensitive tolight from ambient surroundings would, at times, prevent operation, itis also anticipated that the light emitted and detected be encoded or beof a specific wavelength that is not anticipated in the ambientsurroundings. Furthermore, it is anticipated that there be one detectorfor each shoe such that, both shoes need to be inserted before thedevice(s) that emit radiation 70 are only activated when both (all)shoes are present. Further, it is also anticipated that a small amountof delay is inserted between detecting on or both/all shoes present andactivating the device(s) that emit radiation 70.

Although not shown, it is also anticipated that there be an interlockdevice that detects when the door 50 is open to prevent leakage ofradiation when the door 50 is ajar or open.

The support bars 80 protect the radiation emitting device(s) 70 frombreakage due to the mass of the intended user while allowing sufficientradiation to reach the surfaces of the user's foot/shoe. The supportbars 80 support the mass of the intended user. Although it isanticipated that a series of structural metal support bars 80 (or wires)are possible, portions of the user's foot/shoe located directly abovesuch metal support bars 80 would receive less radiation, thuspotentially not effectively neutralizing as many pathogens as possible.To increase the strength and distribution of the radiation from theradiation emitting device(s) 70, it is preferred that the support barsare made of glass, and in the preferred embodiments, be made of materialthat allows penetration of the desired wavelength of radiation from theradiation emitting device(s) 70. In some embodiments, the material isglass, but glass blocks certain UV wavelengths of radiation. In apreferred embodiment, the material is fused silica or fused quartz.These glass materials have superior transmission of both the ultravioletand IR spectra radiations. For some applications, other materials suchas ruby, synthetic ruby, and some polymers capable of ultraviolettransmission are also anticipated. Any material that has sufficientstructure as to support the intended user(s) and provides fortransmission of the desired radiation is anticipated.

Referring to FIG. 5, a detail view of the active portion of theexemplary system 10 for reducing the number of pathogens on feet and/orshoes is shown. In this view, the electronics 96 and interrupters 90/92are not shown for simplicity reasons.

In the example shown, a plurality of support rods 80 are supported bythree supports 82. The plurality of support rods 80 are positioned overthe radiation emitting devices 70. In operation, when the user places afoot/shoe atop the support rods 80 and the radiation emitting devices 70energized (e.g. the detector initiates operation), radiation from theradiation emitting devices 70 passes around and through the support rods80 and radiates the user's foot/shoe. In the preferred embodiment, thesupport rods 80 are made of a material that attenuate as little of theradiation from the radiation emitting devices 70 as possible.

The radiation emitting devices 70 emit one or more wavelengths ofradiation for the destruction of pathogens. Ultraviolet light (400 nm to100 nm) is categorized into three basic ranges: UVA from 400 nm to 320nm, UVB from 230 nm to 280 nm, and UVC from 280 nm to 100 nm. Forgermicidal applications, typically UVB light in the range of 280 nm to240 nm has been shown to be most effective, with 254 nm having thehighest efficiency in destroying pathogens.

In some embodiments, the radiation emitting devices 70 are ultravioletemitters or ultraviolet light bulbs, often known as UV bulbs or LEDs,emitting light with wavelengths of between, for example, 400-100 nm.Such ultraviolet light is known to kill at least a subset of knownpathogens and, therefore, this light is suitable to reduce the number ofpathogens on one's foot/shoe.

Although ultraviolet light kills some pathogens and is suitable for thatpurpose, ultraviolet radiation alone is not effective in killing certainpathogens or classes of pathogens, especially pathogens that haveprotective envelopes or shells that protect the pathogens from theenvironment until the pathogens find their way into a suitableenvironment for growth, such as a wound. An example of such a pathogenis C-diff, which has a hard outer shell and is not significantlyaffected by UVC radiation. Bleach has been found effective in breakingthis outer shell and killing C-diff, but bleach is impractical for useon feet or shoes.

Lower wavelengths of ultraviolet light will ionize oxygen producingozone (O₃). For many uses of ultraviolet light, ozone (O₃) production isan unwanted side effect of ultraviolet lamps. For such uses, theultraviolet lamps are treated/coated to absorb ultraviolet light withwavelengths below 254 nm since these lower wavelengths of ultravioletlight will ionize oxygen. Again, this type of radiation emitting device70 (ultraviolet bulb) is a possible alternative, being that this type ofradiation emitting devices 70 will kill some class of pathogens.

Ozone has been found to be effective in killing some pathogens thatcannot be effectively killed with ultraviolet light alone. Ozone is astrong oxidizing agent that breaks through the encapsulation of some ofthe more difficult pathogens to kill such as C-diff. Ozone is effectivein bacterial disinfection and the inactivation of many viruses.Therefore, it is preferred to use a radiation emitting devices 70 thatemit ultraviolet light in approximately the 240-250 nm range and alsoemit shorter wavelength ultraviolet light (e.g. approximately 180 nm)that will produce ozone in the presence of oxygen (O₂).

It is preferred to use radiation emitting devices 70 that includesemission of ultraviolet light in the UVC range and more particularly, inthe approximately 180 nm wavelength range to ionize oxygen and purposelycreate ozone. Such specialized lamps that do not have the surfacetreatment that filters this wavelength are known and in use in otherapplications such as water sanitation, often known as germicidal lamps.Such lamps are suitable for use as the radiation emitting devices 70.These lamps are usually mercury vapor tubes similar to typicalfluorescent light bulbs but without any phosphor coating and without anymaterial that impedes the passing of ultraviolet light, includingultraviolet light in the 253.7 wavelength range which is very good atdestroying pathogens. Therefore, these radiation emitting devices 70emit a broader range of ultraviolet that includes the 254 nm wavelengthand also shorter wavelengths (e.g. less than 240 nm) that break the bondbetween dioxygen molecules (O₂+UV→2O), then the unstable oxygen atomsbond with another dioxygen molecule (O₂+O→O₃) forming ozone.

Certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light are harmful to humans andanimals. Exposure to such is known to cause sunburn and eventually skincancer. Exposure is also known to lead to temporary or permanent visionimpairment by damaging the retina of the eye. For this reason, theradiation emitting devices 70 is shielded within the base portion 20 andare only illuminated when the presence of the user's foot/shoe isdetected by, for example, sensors 90/92.

After sufficient exposure to the ultraviolet radiation and/or the ozone,it is desirable to dispose of the ozone. Because ozone is a powerfuloxidant, ozone's high oxidizing potential, potentially, causes damage tomucus and respiratory tissues in animals, and also various tissues inplants. Such damage has been observed at concentration levels of about100 parts per billion. Since ozone reacts with carbon to form carbondioxide (CO₂), in some embodiments, part or the entire inside surfacesof the base portion 20 are coated with carbon or carbon granules 23 (seeFIG. 7). Since ozone is heavier than air, the ozone will settle towardsthe bottom of the base portion 21 and combine with the carbon 23 to formcarbon dioxide, which is a harmless gas in low concentrations. As anexample, the base plate 21 has a coating of carbon granules 23 as shownin FIG. 7.

Although six independent radiation emitting devices 70 are shown (e.g.six germicidal lamps), any number of radiation emitting devices 70 areanticipated including one radiation emitting devices 70 and tworadiation emitting devices 70 (one for each foot/shoe). The type ofradiation emitting devices 70 is not limited in any way to anyparticular radiation emitting devices 70, though known germicidal lampsare shown as examples. It is also anticipated that some subset of theradiation emitting devices 70 emit ultraviolet at one wavelength orrange of wavelengths and another subset of the radiation emittingdevices 70 emit ultraviolet at a different wavelength or a differentrange of wavelengths.

Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the concentrator portion ofthe exemplary system 10 for reducing the number of pathogens on feetand/or shoes is shown. Since most radiation emitting devices 70 emitlight in multiple directions, it is desirable to aim and direct as muchof the emitted light towards the foot/shoe. For this, one or morereflectors 54/56 are situated beneath the radiation emitting devices 70.The reflector(s) 54/56 are preferably of a length compatible with thelength of the radiation emitting devices 70 and are curved along an axisof the radiation emitting devices 70 to direct and scatter theultraviolet light towards the foot/shoe.

It is well known for footwear to accumulate debris (in addition to thepathogens mentioned above). When/while the user is standing on thesupport bars 80, some of this debris will fall off and land on thereflector(s) 54/56. In some embodiments, to facilitate cleaning, thereflector(s) 54/56 are integrated into a removable assembly, as shown,having an access door cover 50 and, preferably, some mechanism thatassists in pulling out the access door such as a knob or handle 52. Insome embodiments, there is an interlock (not shown) that preventsemission of radiation from the radiation emitting devices 70 when theaccess door cover 50 is open. Alternately, in some embodiments, thelower cabinet 22 has openings that are formed in the shape of thereflector(s) 54/56 and the reflector(s) 54/56 are restricted so theycannot be removed from the openings, thereby, constantly blocking theopenings and limiting the amount of radiation that is allowed to escapeshould the access door cover 50 be ajar during operation.

Referring to FIG. 7, an exploded view of the exemplary system 10 forreducing the number of pathogens on feet and/or shoes is shown. In thisview, it is possible to see one typical construction of the entiresystem 10 for reducing the number of pathogens, including the topsurface onto which the housing sections 30/34/36 are mounted. Note thatfasteners are not shown for brevity reasons. Fasteners are well known inthe industry and are used where necessary.

In this example, the base plate 21 has a coating of carbon granules 23that mix with any ozone that is generated and convert the ozone intoharmless carbon dioxide.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above suchthat they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially thesame way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of itsattendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. Itis also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may bemade in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereofwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or withoutsacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein beforedescribed being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. Itis the intention of the following claims to encompass and include suchchanges.

What is claimed is:
 1. A foot/shoe sanitizing system comprising: ahousing having at least one opening; a set of foot/shoe support barscoupled to the housing in proximity to the at least one opening(s), thefoot/shoe support bars for supporting an object placed in the sanitizingsystem, at least one of set of the foot/shoe support bars allowsultraviolet light to pass from the at least one ultraviolet emittingdevice through the at least one of the set of the foot/shoe support barsand onto the object; at least one ultraviolet emitting device supportedwithin the housing beneath the set of foot/shoe support bars, the atleast one ultraviolet emitting device directing ultraviolet lighttowards the set of foot/shoe support bars; and a source of powerinterfaced to each of the at least one ultraviolet emitting device, thesource of power operatively powering each of the at least oneultraviolet emitting device, thereby the at least one ultravioletemitting device emits ultraviolet light; and a means for shrouding, themeans for shrouding reducing emission of ultraviolet light from the atleast one opening.
 2. The foot/shoe sanitizing system of claim 1,wherein at least one of the set of foot/shoe support bars is made fromfused silica glass.
 3. The foot/shoe sanitizing system of claim 2,wherein each of the set of foot/shoe support bars is made from fusedsilica glass.
 4. The foot/shoe sanitizing system of claim 1, wherein themeans for shrouding comprises two sets of bristles facing each other andintermeshed with each other such that an object can be pushed throughthe area where the bristles are intermeshed with each other and into theenclosure.
 5. The foot/shoe sanitizing system of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the at least one ultraviolet emitting device emitsultraviolet light with a wavelength below 240 nm, thereby causing O₂molecules to split into two O₁ atoms and some of the O₁ atoms combiningwith other O₂ molecules to form ozone.
 6. The foot/shoe sanitizingsystem of claim 5, further comprising carbon within the enclosure, thecarbon within the enclosure combining with the ozone to produce carbondioxide.
 7. The foot/shoe sanitizing system of claim 1, furthercomprising a means for detecting an object resting on the set offoot/shoe support bars, the means for detecting coupled to the source ofpower to operatively powering each of the at least one ultravioletemitting device responsive to detection of an object by the means fordetecting.
 8. The foot/shoe sanitizing system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one reflector, each of the at least one reflectorpositioned to aim at least one of the ultraviolet emitting devices andpositioned on a side of the at least one ultraviolet emitting devicesdirectly opposite of the set of foot/shoe support bars.
 9. The foot/shoesanitizing system of claim 8, wherein the at least one reflector isaccessible for cleaning purposes.
 10. The foot/shoe sanitizing system ofclaim 1, wherein the object is a shoe.